Hi All,

Has anyone had any experience with both the standard and sport shocks and might be able to offer any opinions on how they differ? I have a 2005 X-Type with the Sport package and I'm trying to solve a clunking in the rear end. I already replaced the sway bar bushings and that helped considerably, but the clunk is still there at low speeds or over big bumps. Thermo suggested it might be an upper shock mount that's worn out, so I'm planning to replace the struts and shocks. Normally, I'd just order factory replacements, which are obviously the sport shocks but I live in a snowy climate where the roads are crap - lots of potholes, ruts, patches, etc. and my car just constantly feels "twitchy" and "busy". I'm know it's partially from the 18" wheels and low profile tires, but I'm wondering if switching to the softer standard shocks would help smooth things out a little? And what are the drawbacks? I really like how my car handles now and don't want to give up too much of that, but maybe that's more a product of the springs? I'm hoping replacing the shocks will solve the clunking and maybe help smooth out the ride some. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Brandon

 

I am considering Billstein "comfort" struts.

 

Replacing mine this weekend, sticking with the comfort. I asked my dealer about the difference, they say they've rarely seen sport suspensions, and that a "sport trim" car doesn't indicate a "sport" suspension package. I've noticed in searching for parts that some even indicate the same part#??

 

But don't regular, later, models get 17" wheels and the sport models get 18"s?

That makes a difference in handling dynamics doesn't it?
================================================
Jaguar: Grace, Pace, and Space - Sir William Lyons

 

Thanks for the replies! PreJag posted these part numbers in the summer of 2010, if that helps:

W/Sport Susp, Comfort-front: F4-VNE-5362-BG rear: F4-BE5-2981-H0
HD-front: F4-VE3-5149-H0 rear: F4-BE5-6676-H0
W/Standard, Comfort-front: F4-VNE-5361-BG rear: F4-BE5-6227-H0
HD's are the same numbers as the Sport Susp.

My car has the 18" Melbourne wheels and I was surprised to see this past weekend when I was doing some inspection that the bottom mounts of the front struts actually say "sport suspension" on big white labels from the factory. From reading other posts here it sounds like the sport package included 17" wheels (18's as an upgrade), stiffer springs, HD shocks, and the lower body trim. I'm hoping the springs contribute most to the "sportiness" and less body roll during cornering and by switching to the comfort shocks it will only soften the ride a little bit? Can anybody confirm that or am I just looking for trouble?

Brandon